Heidsee is a crystal-clear mountain lake nestled between Valbella and Lenzerheide in the Graubünden canton of Switzerland. Located just two hours from both Zurich and Lucerne, the Lenzerheide region is the perfect weekend getaway or day trip for families. If you are looking for things to do in Graubünden in the summer, this lake offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. The lake is divided into two main sections: a water sports center and a family beach area with a playground. Plan to spend anywhere from a half-day to a full day exploring this family-friendly destination.
Lenzerheide Water Sports Center
The Lenzerheide Water Sports Center (Wassersportzentrum) sits right on the shoreline and offers a selection of lakeside activities. You can rent:
- Paddle boats (Pedalos)
- Kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
- Windsurfing gear
They also offer windsurfing courses for both children and adults. For our lake excursion, we rented a paddle boat for 30 minutes for 13 CHF (as of Summer 2026). It was the perfect amount of time to cruise around the water and take in the panoramic mountain views, making it a major highlight of our trip. A great feature for families is that the boat seats are adjustable, meaning the kids could easily reach the pedals and help power the boat.
Amenities at the Water Sports Center:
- Safety: Free life jackets are provided for kids.
- Storage: Lockers are available to secure your belongings (requires a 2 CHF coin).
- Facilities: Toilets and changing rooms are located on-site.
- Food & Seating: There is a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks, along with a shaded seating area that overlooks the water.
Kinderspielplatz Lido: The Shipwreck Playground
Just a 5-minute walk from the water sports area is the Heidsee lido and beach area, which features a shipwreck-themed playground. The shipwreck itself is a sand playground built right on the lake’s edge, where kids can climb, slide, and dig. Beyond the sand, the playground includes water play stations with interactive channels, a waterfall that children can walk behind, and a climbing structure that leads out to an island. There is even a small raft that kids can pull across the water to an island using a rope system. Make sure to take a walk around the lake area to see everything the area has to offer!
Travel Tip: On warmer summer days, be sure to bring swimsuits and towels, as the kids will definitely get wet playing here.
Next to the playground is a large grass lawn shaded by mature trees—perfect for setting up a picnic blanket. If you prefer to buy food, a nearby kiosk sells classic beachside snacks like sausages and chicken nuggets. There is also a shaded seating area where parents can relax while keeping a close eye on the play space. Public toilets are conveniently located right by the kiosk.
Parking and Arrival Instructions
- Arriving by Car: If you are driving to Heidsee, use the paid Parkplatz La Riva parking lot. From this lot, it is a flat, 5-minute walk to both the water sports center and the playground. The entire path is stroller-friendly.
- Arriving by Public Transit: If you are taking the bus, get off at the Lenzerheide/Lai, La Riva stop. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the lakeside activities.
- Bonus Adventure Eichhörnchenwald (Squirrel Forest): If you want to extend your day trip, the famous Lenzerheide Squirrel Forest (Eichhörnchenwald) is only a 10-minute walk from the lake. This spot features a flat, shaded trail where, if you are lucky, you can spot local squirrels and even have them eat nuts right out of your hand. It also includes a lovely squirrel-themed playground.
Final Thoughts on Heidsee, Switzerland
Heidsee is a must-visit stop for any family vacation in the Lenzerheide region. From active water sports to relaxing by the alpine beach, the area packs a lot of value into a single location. Our kids absolutely loved the paddle boats and the interactive shipwreck playground.
For more family-friendly activities in Switzerland and regional travel tips, check out our blog recommendations.